Dangerous prescription-only meds sold over the counter in Spain

As reported by the Olive Press, an anti-smoking medication linked to a heightened risk of suicide is still being sold over the counter in Andalucia, Spain. The drug Champix is reportedly widely available at pharmacies even though the manufacturer has insisted it is ‘prescription-only’.

One UK expatriate Karen Cox, 46, has called for action after learning the drug her chemist recommended is understood to cause serious psychiatric issues. Cox, who lives in Calahonda, explained that she had found out about three deaths in Denmark since she started taking the pills this year.

There have been suicide issues around the globe linked to this drug for numerous years, with some people even committing murder, claims Cox. She said it was absolutely terrifying, adding that she felt very strongly that the public be made aware. Champix, manufactured by Pfizer, was linked to 227 suicide attempts globally between May 2006 – Dec 2007, reports the Olive Press.

Included in this figure were 60 cases of paranoia and 41 mentions of homicidal thoughts. Champix, which comes in tablet form, works by attaching to nicotine receptors and fooling the brain into believing it has been fed nicotine. However, one year after the ‘miracle drug’ was placed on the market, heavy investigations were launched into its safety, finding 37 links to suicide cases in America and forcing the firm to stick a caution on the label.